Voyage of the U.S. Exploring Squadron, … in 1838, 1839, 1840, 1841, and 1842

1850

Hocken Library: Bliss KX Wil J

Auburn, [N.Y.]: James M. Alden

During the 46 months away, the ‘U.S. Ex. Ex.’ visited Samoa, Sydney, Fiji (where two men were killed), the Hawaiian Islands, Tonga, the Northwest coast of America, the Philippines, and Borneo. While in the South ‘an Antarctic continent’ (later named Wilkes Land) was spotted, and some of the crew were present at the initial signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, February 1840. Although missionary work was well established in Tahiti, there were other social concerns. Wilkes persuaded Queen Pomare IV to have a prison and police. No sooner had the ‘Calabooza Beretanee’ on Broom Road been established than it received its most famous inmate: Herman Melville. Jenkins did not take part in the Expedition; this was a commissioned publication.